Vehicle Shopping/Buying

[Ella`Ella]

Originally Posted by Evia [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Does anyone have any advice, tips, or suggestions to buying a new/used vehicle?
Do I haggle like I'm in the EC tunnel?
Will I really get a better deal with cash vs finance?
Are there any other decent search apps besides cars.com and autotrader.com?
If the car market really is crashing, should I wait to buy?
When will I know it's the right time?
Anyone who's got some experience with this I'm all ears(eyes)!

A lot of good feedback here, but there is one thing I've learned along the way.

Buying a car in cash generally gets you a higher purchase price. Dealerships are more inclined to give better pricing on the car when financed because they add a premium to whatever financing option you get. Let's say your actual borrowing rate comes back at 7%. They'll often add a 2% or more premium to that which they'll keep for themselves.

If you do plan on paying cash, I recommend financing at whatever terrible rate they give you which will allow you to negotiate a better price. Then, when you get your first bill, just strike a check for the entire balance.

[mcoy]

Originally Posted by Ella`Ella [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Then, when you get your first bill, just strike a check for the entire balance.

Read the paperwork carefully and ensure there isn't a prepayment penalty. It feels like they try to gouge you at every turn...

-Mcoy

[Evia]

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. It's been very helpful!

I think I'm going to look for a Subaru Outback. As ugly as they are, the awd/utility is too good for the family for me to ignore. Still just sick how the used ones with 20-60k miles are only a few k less than a new one. I'm hoping as the year progresses used cars get cheaper.

I guess it's either station wagon or mini van. The dad life has consumed me.

[Lune]

Originally Posted by Evia [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. It's been very helpful!

I think I'm going to look for a Subaru Outback. As ugly as they are, the awd/utility is too good for the family for me to ignore. Still just sick how the used ones with 20-60k miles are only a few k less than a new one. I'm hoping as the year progresses used cars get cheaper.

I guess it's either station wagon or mini van. The dad life has consumed me.

Pay close attention to the interior when you're looking at Subarus, as some models/years can have brittle/shoddy or cracking interior plastic. Otherwise good cars with good reliability and manufacturing tho

[Patriam1066]

Originally Posted by Evia [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. It's been very helpful!

I think I'm going to look for a Subaru Outback. As ugly as they are, the awd/utility is too good for the family for me to ignore. Still just sick how the used ones with 20-60k miles are only a few k less than a new one. I'm hoping as the year progresses used cars get cheaper.

I guess it's either station wagon or mini van. The dad life has consumed me.

You could choose worse. I prefer Hondas or Toyotas but Subarus are good cars

[mcoy]

Originally Posted by Evia [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. It's been very helpful!

I think I'm going to look for a Subaru Outback. As ugly as they are, the awd/utility is too good for the family for me to ignore. Still just sick how the used ones with 20-60k miles are only a few k less than a new one. I'm hoping as the year progresses used cars get cheaper.

I guess it's either station wagon or mini van. The dad life has consumed me.

Make sure you change the oil. My idiot cousin just lost his free hand-me-down Outback because he didn't know you were supposed to do that...

I'm honestly surprised they let you run them to death like that - my lawnmower has a low oil shutoff but /shrug.

-Mcoy

[magnetaress]

Get an ebike with an orange vest and yellow reflective helmet.

[magnetaress]

Strap a chainsaw to the back of an office chair and use the blade like a snow tread.

[Toxigen]

not to hijack but id really like to buy a true 6 speed before i get too old

not trying to spend 100k on a toy (porsche, M3, etc)

looking at the caddy CT4 blackwing...everything Ive read is good...anyone driven one?

also have read the acura integra type S has one of the best 6 speeds on the market but man id feel old driving one

[Patriam1066]

Originally Posted by Toxigen [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

not to hijack but id really like to buy a true 6 speed before i get too old

not trying to spend 100k on a toy (porsche, M3, etc)

looking at the caddy CT4 blackwing...everything Ive read is good...anyone driven one?

also have read the acura integra type S has one of the best 6 speeds on the market but man id feel old driving one

If you’re not looking to pay for the BMW, I think the Cadillac is your next best bet (have driven, definitely fun to drive). No idea about the Acuras but I’d assume those have an appeal as they’re well made and Honda does manual transmissions well